Principals message 2008 was a year in which students demonstrated their commitment to achieving personal excellence under the guidance of our teachers and in partnership with supportive parents.

Our Naplan results showed the strongest growth in numeracy in our School Education Group (SEG) and the second highest literacy growth. In the School Certificate results have grown significantly over the past three years, and in the Higher School Certificate many subjects have added positive value to student performance.

Our leadership programs continue to strengthen with over one third of students now directly involved in leadership roles or programs. Hundreds of students were involved in performances both at school events such as Fame at the Farms, and in showcase performances including Pulse at the Opera House, and the School Spectacular at the Entertainment Centre.

Individuals represented at regional, state and national level in sport, showing the commitment and sportsmanship we have come to expect from our students.

Our relationship with our partner primary schools continues to grow particularly in the areas of gifted and talented and mathematics.

I thank staff, students and parents for their wonderful contribution to Model Farms in 2008.

Mr J Elton

Achievements

Special Recognition

2008 was a year of exceptional achievements for the staff and students of Model Farms High School. A number of teachers and students received special

recognition for their wonderful contribution to the school community.

Joseph Callingham was one of only 39 students in NSW to receive The Ministers Award for Excellence in Student Achievement. Among other achievements Joseph was selected to represent Australia as a leader at the National Science Summer School in Canada.

English Head Teacher, Jela Coffey, was awarded the prestigious Director-Generals Award for Excellent Service to Public Education & Training.

School Captain, Rebecca Lane, received a Regional Directors Award for Excellence in Leadership by an Individual Student, and School Vice Captain, Ryan Fraser, received a Regional Directors Award for Excellence in Student Achievement. Drama teacher, Stephanie Hardy, received a Regional Directors Award for Excellence in Teaching, and school Administration Manager, Sylvia Goverd, received a Regional Directors Award for Outstanding School Administration Support Staff.

The school was awarded the Rotary Pride of Workmanship Award. Head Teacher Administration Richard Schiliro was also awarded an individual Rotary Pride of Workmanship Award.

Teachers Tracey Genner (English) and Belinda Haroutonian (Home Economics and Pd/Health/PE) were recognised by the Baulkham Hills Shire Mayor, Sonia Phillips, in the Excellence in Education awards.

Outgoing school captain Janis Auzins was awarded the Rotary Paul Harris Fellowship.

The school was chosen to host the leader of the National Party, Andrew Stoner, as part of the Principal for a Day initiative.

MODEL FARMS HIGH SCHOOL ACHIEVING PERSONAL EXCELLENCE THROUGH QUALITY TEACHING

School Address: Gooden Drive, Baulkham Hills 2153 Phone: 9624 3133

School Code: 8499 Fax: 9838 8407

modelfarms-h.school@.det.nsw.edu.au www.modelfarms-h.schools.nsw.edu.au

Annual Report 2008

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The Deputy Director- General of Education and Training, Trevor Fletcher, visited the school for a presentation on how the school uses HSC and SC data to inform school direction.

Academic

Four students were finalists at the Hills Youth of the Year Awards: - Rebecca Lane, Nicole Winter, Emily Goodsir (awarded a Highly Commended) and Joseph Callingham (awarded a Highly Commended).

Grace Rowe, the school SRC president was awarded the Outstanding Achievement in Hospitality Work Placement with La Seconda at the annual awards night for the Hills Schools Industry Partnership.

Three students were awarded the 2008 Australian Defence Force Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Awards: - Matthew Broome (Year 12), David Shaw (Year 11) and Chloe Hulewicz (Year 10).

22 students achieved High Distinctions, Distinctions and Credits in the 2008 International Science competitions. The following students achieved the best results. Alex C and Samuel Donohoo (Year 7), Amy Kennett (Year 8) and Ben Willars (Year 10). A further 21 achieved distinctions and credits in the 2008 Big Science competition.

In the Geography competition more than three quarters of all entrants scored a high distinction, distinction or credit

In the Mathematics competition 19 students gained high distinctions and distinctions. Alex Barnett of Year 8 was awarded the Prudence Award for achieving the highest number of consecutive questions correct in the Australian Mathematics competition.

Yahya Jideh, Nadia Abdel- Fatah and Tanek Abdel-Fatah acquitted themselves well in the 2008 Arabic Youth Quiz.

The Industrial Arts Faculty held its inaugural HSC Major Work Exhibition evening. Student works were showcased to parents and friends.

Hannah Olley, Matilda Souter, Karina Marlow and Alex Barnett acquitted themselves well in the inaugural Historians competition to be televised in 2009.

Tim Wakulicz and Max Pobihuska gained business cadetships with Zurich and BNP respectively.

Three very successful gifted and talented projects were undertaken with our partner schools (see P6)

Model Farms is a member of the Hills Learning community. In 2008 the Model Farms hub was

established to undertake a project with Macquarie University to enhance success in mathematics in the middle school. Winston Hills Public, Jasper Road Public and Winston Heights Public are the other school in the project. This project is ongoing.

The school achieved success at the Castle Hill Show. The Agriculture display won the Best Display award and the Team Organisation and Participation award. The following Food Technology and Hospitality students achieved awards ;Jack Whitney, Leon Gantert, Karina Marlow,Zac McLauchlan, Luisa Guerra-Murphy, Sarah Byrne, Jacqueline Pittana , Raechel Carlsen, Emma Bennett, Grace Cho, Rahila Paracha , Lauren Halls,Stephanie Balbi, Ryan Boyd, Daniel Patten ,Andrew Jones, Shane Abdur, Larissa Macchetta, Naomi Young, Lauren Keen, Kati Harris, Shannon Melissa,. Meertens and Rebecca DSylva.

Students again competed in the Scientist of the Year competition. Dr Ross Grant addressed students at the award ceremony

Students in the Titration Competition

Sport

Jennifer Adams, Emily Goodsir, Jessica Dowle, Lauren Dowle, Kristen Iredale and Katelyn Teale competed in the Hills Zone Netball team, the team became Sydney West champions.

The boys baseball team were runners up at the Sydney West Gala Day.

The U/16s girls 50m relay team won gold at the CHS swimming carnival. The team is Kirstie Meertens, Eleanor Marshall, Nicole Calvert, and Kate Frappell.

Support student Bronwyn Russell ran third in the 100 metres at the Regional athletics carnival and went on to represent at the state level.

Support student Kyle Chapman gained fourth place in the State Dressage Championships (Riding for the Disabled Association).

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Year 10 student Jessie Elliott was selected in the 2008 NSW Pacific School Games track and field team. She broke the 400m hurdles record and also gained bronze in the 4 x 100m and 4 x 200m relays.

Kirstie Meetens set 5 new zone swimming records. She set a new 50m backstroke record at the All Schools Carnival In addition to other marvellous achievements Kirstie was also selected in the NSW Pacific School Games swimming team which competed in Canberra.

Adam Polivka was awarded a Regional Blue for his achievements in Water Polo.

Stephanie Polivka gained entry into the Talented Athletics Program for waterpolo.

Teacher Rachel Brown was appointed the Sydney West U/15s Rugby League manager.

The girls rugby league team won the Parramatta gala day for the 4th consecutive year.

The Open Rugby League side won the Parramatta District Captains Cup competition.

A number of students represented Sydney West AFL- Paora Waaka Athlectics- Todd Adams ,Jarrod Ball , Alysha Calder Jessica Clarke, Taylor Cooney, Lauren Dowle, Tarran Eykelenkamp, Jessi Elliott, Courtney Elliott, Jean Harvey, Brooke Hojel, Kim Kennedy, Amanda Leabeater, Brad Mc Naughton, Renee Muller, Kirsten Nicola, Bronwyn Russell, Matilda Souter, Monique Welch. Cross Country- Michael Bennetts , Jessica Clarke, Taylor Cooney, Rachel Maddox, Amanda McMenemy, Christopher Palangas.

Gymnastics - Brooke Hojel Rugby Union - Matthew Shaw Softball- Shannon Keen

Swimming - Nicole Calver, Christiana Carelli,Cassidy Forbes, Kate Frappell, Eleanor Marshall, Kirstie Meertens, Bradley Paton, Stephanie Polivka, Alison Richardson, Shannen Smith, Tang Calvin. Touch Football Emily Goodsir, Kim Kennedy, Katelyn Teale Waterpolo - Ryan Lear, Adam Polivka, Stephanie Polivka, Brad Paton

The Arts and Public Speaking

Nicole Winter was selected to perform the solo in the finale at the Opera House. Phillip Bombola played in the Regional Big Band at the same concert.

James Barrow was selected in the Millenium Marching band that performed in the School Spectacular. James was also a member of the Beijing Orchestra.

Rebecca Lane won the Public Speaking component of the Rotary Youth of the Year Competition.

Scott Frappell won the Year 8 section of the David James Public Speaking competition and Swetha Daas of Year 7 was runner up. Model Farms retained the David James Trophy.

The Year 7 and 8 debating teams were zone champions in the Premiers Debating Challenge

The school dance group performed with distinction at the Schools Spectacular

The Year 10 drama class performed Nightmare Reality at the Sydney West Drama Festival

Model Farms hosted the 2008 Western Sydney Debating Gala Day, defeating Baulkham Hills Selective High, Mitchell High and Northmead High.

Chloe Bristow and Kirsten Iredale represented the school in the UNICEF Junior Roundtable on Asia Pacific, held at NSW Parliament House.

The following students completed with distinction at the Australia Day Oz Speak Competition; Scott Frappell, Veneta Bailey, Tara Cassidy, Monique Wilson and Zac McLaughlin.

Meagan Van Aswegen, Warwick Dodd, Maddison Kerney, Matilda Souter and Shannon Boyd all performed in the Hills Learning Community Elite Band.

Years 10 and 11 dance students were successful in auditioning for the Schools Spectacular. They performed with distinction at the Sydney Entertainment Centre in November.

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Rory Van De Mortel, Steven Cannean, Justin Cassell and Warwick Dodd competed in the Solar Boat Challenge at Penrith Lakes and achieved third place in the final.

Sarah Orchard, Samantha Little and Taneal Norman attended the NSW Public Schools State Dance Camp.

Sophie Malyon and Katherine Woolnough performed at the Celebrating the Arts festival. Ashliegh Hall and Ryan Fraser were selected as MCs.

Jacinda Martins artwork was selected for display in the 2008 Western Sydney Environment Art Exhibition Saving our Planet at the Bennelong Pond Education Centre.

Sixteen students were selected to perform in the Western Sydney Region Music Festival. They were Daniel Clarke, Harry Oliver, James Saunders, Aldrich Maglantay, Brian Page, Toby Shaw ,Jessica Maree, Amy Goodwin, Kate Vietze, Tori Easthorpe, Karina Marlow, Raechel Carlsen, Melanie Dimmock, Chloe Hulewicz, Renee Anderson, Heather Pendlebury and James White.

Fame at the Farms was a great success with three evening and one matinee performance. It involved 159 students and was watched by over 1000 people.

Showcase evenings by Elective Music and the HSC Drama students were a great success.

Year 9 students performed for all Year 7 students in the 947 event.

Other initiatives

The long awaited school hall was commenced and is due for completion in 2009.

The school continued to place emphasis on environmental initiatives with the installation of a 100,000 litre water tank. This will service the agricultural plot.

Ashleigh Hall, Grace Rowe and Elyse Powell represented the school at the leadership seminar Securing Your Community.

Chloe Bristow and Kirsten Iredale represented the school at the UNICEF Senior Roundtable on Asia Pacific, held at NSW Parliament House

The school hosted 18 students from Yorii Machi Junior High School in Japan.

Ten Year 11 leaders attended the Mitchell Youth Leadership Forum. They subsequently led a successful team building day for all Year 11 at the end of Term 4.

Prefects attended School Council meetings on a rotational basis gaining an understanding of school governance and representing the student body.

The School Captains attended a leadership day at NSW Parliament House hosted by the Governor, Marie Basheer.

A number of technological enhancements were implemented in 2008.

A connected classroom was installed. This has the potential to allow the school to conduct lessons with other schools and link with outside organisations.

Ten interactive whiteboards were installed. This technology will allow teachers to conduct more dynamic lessons and has the potential to revolutionise lesson delivery.

The school was informed it would receive 251 laptop computers as part of the digital revolution. These are not expected until the second half of 2009.

Year 5 students from Winston Hills, Winston Heights, Jasper Road and Matthew Pearce attended Model Farms on a number of occasions for lessons in Visual Arts, Drama, Food Technology, Woodwork and Science.

A Pathfinders program was run for selected students to assist them with the transition to high school.

Key evaluations

Educational and management practice

Student Leadership

In 2008 a review of leadership programs and opportunities was undertaken. One purpose of the survey was to collect data for the introduction of the junior Leadership Development Program.

Finding and conclusions Parents and students had differing views on what

constituted student leadership. The most commonly held views was that leadership is about having a positive influence on others, and passing on skills, expertise, and knowledge.

A majority of students believed they had average to strong leadership potential.

Most thought there were good leadership opportunities at school, particularly in sport, school citizenship, and, in the performing arts,

Most thought leadership skills were important for career, further education, the development of independence, self esteem, and, in obtaining a part time job.

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Students thought it was best to recognise student leadership in the school newsletter and assembly.

Most students were able to identify leadership roles in which they had been involved. Among the most common were sport, primary links, peer reading, open night, assisting charities, and presenting something in public such as a gifted and talented project

Future directions

A structured program primarily for students in Year 7-9 was developed for trial in late 2008 and full implementation in 2009. This involved the training of Year 11 student mentors. In 2008 over 150 students enrolled in the course and 4 achieved their Leadership Development badge for successfully completing the course. The remainder are still working toward this credential.

In 2009 another group of mentors will be trained and the program offered to students beginning in Semester 1.

Curriculum - Review of PHHPE

Background

An educational review of the PDHPE faculty was undertaken. This involved surveying and interviewing students, teachers and parents about their attitudes toward the teaching of PDHPE. Lesson observation was undertaken and faculty documentation assessed.

Findings and Conclusions

Students overwhelmingly enjoy PDHPE and Sports Studies.

The PDHPE staff is cohesive, professional and well respected. Teachers employ a broad range of teaching strategies , including independent and collaborative activities group work and discussions,

PDHPE lessons have a good atmosphere with engaging lessons in both theory and practical. The senior course is seen by students as interesting and highly relevant.

The faculty is strong in their focus on literacy.

Teacher expectations in terms of learning are high, clearly articulated and understood.

Future Directions

Rework programs to reduce, where possible, repetitious theory across Years 7-10

Budget to purchase resources and equipment to better deliver programs eg. blood pressure and skin fold equipment for seniors

Adjust programming of practical activities to focus on games such as net, court, or invasion, rather than specific sports

Continue to develop extension exercises for more capable students and provide an increased level of feedback from assessment tasks and tests

Other programs

Respect and Responsibility

In 2008 the school developed an expanded statement to better articulate our core values. Our values and school rules underpin all that we do at Model Farms. The school encourages students to provide service to the community. Values are frequently discussed in class and at assemblies. The Student Representative Council (SRC) supported a number of worthwhile charities including Stewart House and the Cancer Council. The school prefects raised over $3000 for Legacy, visited the Aminya Nursing Home on 8 occasions, and laid a wreath at the Castle Hill Anzac Day ceremony. The Junior Representative Council undertook a successful can drive for the Smith Family. A copy of the schools values can be found on the Model Farms website

Gifted & Talented

The following students supported by teacher mentors undertook gifted and talented projects and presented their finding to parents and friends at two showcase evenings.

Student Yr Project

Zac Mc Lauchlan 9 The epic spoof a short film

Sally Shanahan 8 An urban view of Romeo and Juliet.

Jackson Simiana 8 Life in Aztec times

James Barnes 8 Tarot cards

Arissa Wellesly-Smith and Kiara Pracy

8 Animal cruelty

Veneta Bailey 9 Podcast on how to create a podcast

Harry Woodhouse 9 Stop start animation

Karina Marlow 9 Case study on experiences of people during World War II

Shekhar Singh 9 11 minute short film on how real life financial errors

Leah Jordan and Jessica Allen

9 Produced a movie in the silent thriller movie

Tanika Anderson and Elyse Rowe

9 Documentary film exploring how much work goes into dancing.

Nicholas Cooke 9 Webpage and brochure on earthquakes

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Kate Grosskopf 9 Fantasy novel

Agastya Bhatt 9 Nuclear Energy

Daniel Van De Vorstenbosch

10 The world of QR codes

Sabena Guzel 10 Conspiracies surrounding the deaths of famous people.

The Year 7 gifted and talented students presented a cross curricular project on The Merchant of Venice. The showcase evening was a great credit to the students and their teachers.

Students had the opportunity to involve themselves as mentors in three gifted and talented projects with our partner schools Winston Heights, Winston Hills, Matthew Pearce, Jasper Road and Excelsior Public schools. Ten students were involved in the Model Mathematician won by Winston Heights Public, fifteen in Speaksports (a public speaking initiative) won by Excelsior Public, and a further 10 in Artfest the most recent of our gifted and talented initiatives.

Multicultural Education

Opportunities for students to acquire knowledge, skills and positive attitudes required for a culturally diverse society are provided through the integration of multicultural perspectives within faculty programs. In 2008 students participated in Harmony Day and our Anzac Day ceremony included a Turkish perspective. The school has appointed an Anti-Racism Contact Officer (ARCO). Support programs for non-English speaking background students have been delivered through English as a second language programs, including the Higher School Certificate. Model Farms is proud of the high level of racial harmony evident in the school.

Aboriginal Education

Model Farms is part of the Dare to Lead Coalition. All faculties are committed to ensuring the appropriate aboriginal perspectives are included in teaching programs. In Years 9 and 10 History and Geography a range of issues are explored and examined in the School Certificate. These include dispossession, paternalism, protection policies, reconciliation, culture and environmental management.

The Support Unit

The Model Farms High School support unit has one specialist class for students who have Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD) and for whom full participation in the mainstream is currently not the best option. We also have one support class for students with a moderate intellectual disability and an outreach teacher who provides support to students across the region with ASD.

The faculty aims to provide all students with the opportunity to learn new skills in a highly structured environment as well as providing as much access to mainstream classes and curriculum as the students are capable of. It also provides the students with ongoing contact with their peers and involvement in whole school and year group activities.

As well as providing quality academic educational programs, our goal is to provide students with the skills and strategies to support their emotional well being, develop their social skills, manage their own behaviour in appropriate ways and prepare the students for life beyond school.

The aim of the ASD class is to integrate students as fully as possible into mainstream classes in order to maximise their access to a full high school curriculum and the specialist teachers who work in those subject areas. Five students were integrated successfully during 2008 into classes including English, Visual Arts IST, Mathematics, Science, HSIE,and PDHPE. In 2008 two Year 10 students were successful in attaining a School Certificate and has continued on to Year 11 and an HSC program of study.

Community access visits were conducted for the School Certificate I.O students during the year. These activities provided an opportunity for the students to generalise the life skills being taught in the classroom.

Year 7 students participating in in The World of Maths

NAPLAN

Strategies to address the literacy and numeracy needs of students are a priority at Model Farms. The school takes a consistent, whole school approach, including intensive tuition for students who experience difficulty in these critical areas of learning. Results in the 2008 national literacy and numeracy testing (NAPLAN) are outlined below and indicate the schools success in improving student outcomes.

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Year 7 Literacy

69% of students scored in the top three bands compared to 56% across the state. Students scored most strongly in spelling (77% of students in top three bands compared 53% across the state).

9% scored in the lowest two bands compared to 16% across the state.

Year 7 Numeracy

73% of students scored in the top three bands compared to 58% across the state. Students scored most strongly in measurement, space and geometry

9% scored in the lowest two bands compared to 19% across the state.

Year 9 Literacy

58% of students scored in the top three bands compared to 48% across the state.

17% of students scored in the bottom two bands compared to 23% across the state.

Year 9 Numeracy

58% of students scored in the top three bands compared to 53% across the state. Students scored most strongly in measurement, space and geometry (72% of students in top three bands compared 55% across the state).

12% scored in the lowest two bands compared to 23% across the state.

Growth between Year 7 and Year 9

Growth from the start of Year 7 to Year 9 shows that Model Farms has a significant impact on student performance.

Students undertake the NAPLAN tests in the first half of Year 7. Growth from Year 5 shows that Year 7 students were growing slightly below the state average in literacy, and above the state average in numeracy. In both literacy and numeracy Year 7 growth was below that of the School Education Group (SEG). Growth from Year 7 to Year 9 showed students growing significantly above the state average.

The following graphs shows the schools growth from Year 7 to Year 9. Each bar represents a school in our school education area. Model Farms is the blue bar. It shows Model Farms students growing above both the state and (SEG) Model Farms has the second highest literacy growth amongst these schools and the highest numeracy growth.

National benchmarks

The Commonwealth Government sets minimum desirable standards for literacy and numeracy at particular ages.

Percentage of Year 7 students achieving at and

above minimum standard

Reading 96.7

Writing 97.2

Spelling 97.8

Punctuation and grammar 94.5

Numeracy 99.4

Percentage of Year 9 students achieving at and above minimum standard

Reading 97.7

Writing 88.5

Spelling 93.6

Punctuation and grammar 94.2

Numeracy 99.4

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Higher School Certificate

Higher School Certificate relative performance

comparison to School Certificate (value-adding)

Performance band Low Middle High

School, 2008 0.3 3.2 -2.3

School average 2004-2008 -0.3 1.2 -2.4

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School Certificate Information

School Certificate relative performance comparison

to Year 5 (value-adding)

Course School

2008

School

Average

2004 -08

English 0.9 1.5

Mathematics -0.4 -1.6

Science 1.1 0.5

Australian History, Civics and

Citizenship 2.5 1.8

Australian Geography, Civics and

Citizenship 0.4 1.2

Computer Skills -0.9 -0.4

Note: By definition, the State AV relative performance is zero

English-literacy

All students scored Band 3 or above. This was the first occasion in which there were no students in the bottom two bands. Students scored positive value added in all bands. 92% of students scored in the top three bands compared to 77% across the state. Since 2006 there has been an additional growth of 5% in the top three bands.

Mathematics

Mathematics continued its strong improvement since 2006. There has been a growth of 22% of students scoring a result in the top three bands. 54% of students gained a result in these bands compared to 50% across the state. Value added was strong in bands 2 and 3.

Science

Results in Science show positive value added for matched students, continuing the trend of the past four years. 82% of students scored in the top three bands, compared to 66% across the state. Science has improved its performance in these bands by 6% over the last three years.

Australian history civics and citizenship

History showed the strongest value added growth of any subject in the 2008 S.C. Value added for matched students was positive in all bands, continuing the good results of previous years. 66% of students scored in the top three bands compared to 51% across the state.

Australian geography civics and citizenship

There was strong improvement in Geography in the 2008 School Certificate. Value added was positive in all bands but most significant in Band 3. 79% of students scored in the top three bands compared to 65% across the state. This is an improvement of 9% from 2006.

Computing Skills Assessment

Students performed above the state average.56.3% of students were deemed to be highly competent 43.7% were deemed to be competent.

Year 8 Essential Science Skills Assessment (ESSA)

Model Farms students performed favourably when compared to both the region and the state.

53% of students scored in the top 3 bands compared to 43% in the state and 36% in the region.

Only 7% of students were in the bottom 2 bands compared to 18% in the state and 24% in the region.

Our targets

Progress on 2008 targets To increase the leadership opportunities for

students in the middle school

A structure for the Leadership Development Program was developed and implemented.

There was an increase of over 400% in the number of students involved in leadership activities in Years 7-9; from approximately 40 to about 200.

An additional 80 students in Year 11 undertook mentor training and became student mentors as part of the junior Leadership Development Program.

5 students achieved their leadership badges in Year 9 and 80 Year 11 received their mentor badges.

To develop literacy and numeracy strategies to

meet the needs of students undertaking the

National numeracy and literacy testing

Every faculty has been engaged in literacy and numeracy specific strategies. These were published for staff and parents in the weekly newsletter.

Every faculty used a consistent whole school approach to literacy. This included the use of literacy proformas developed for Years 7 and 9.

Staff developed a shared understanding of punctuation and grammar, and the metalanguage associated with numeracy. All students and staff were issued with a punctuation and grammar guide.

Literacy and numeracy results were above the national average for Years 7 and 9. The majority of students reached the minimum national benchmark (see page 6).

To use data more effectively to set targets for

the S.C and H.S.C.

Individual subject targets were set by all faculties and published.

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Overall S.C and H.S.C. results that show positive progress toward the achievement of targets.

S.C and H.S.C. results were above the state average in most subjects and the majority showed growth from the previous year.

There was enhanced value added growth for students in the middle and lower bands in the S.C and H.S.C. Value added was positive in the majority of subjects.

Targets for 2009 Target 1: To increase real student retention in

the senior years by 10% Strategies include;

Refining monitoring and probation programs for Year 11 and 12 students

Year 11 parent evening on surviving the HSC Year assemblies and study skills to support

student learning and welfare Individual interviews to ensure the most

appropriate choice of subjects Developing additional Life Skills programs for

less capable students Our success will be measured by;

Fewer changes in subjects indicating that the most appropriate courses have been selected

Early identification of students in need of assistance

More positive application indicators on reports Students leaving school moving directly into

traineeships , apprenticeships or further education

Target 2: To implement welfare policies that effectively address student well being Strategies include;

Educating parents students and staff on issues such as teenage depression

Employing experts, including those at the school to guide the schools approach to mental health

Developing practical strategies to build resilience amongst senior students

Revising the senior mentor program Our success will be measured by;

Parent and student attendance at seminars Increased staff awareness of teenage

depression Staff using Strength in a Box to develop

resilience A revised mentor program in place to support

Year 11 and 12 students

Student Mobility Over 2008, 39 new students enrolled in the school and 69 students left. The majority of these pupils left the local area, found full time employment, enrolled at TAFE for full time study or entered traineeships. Several students from overseas applied to enrol in the senior years. There were specific initiatives and much assistance provided through ESL programs and these students settled well and made positive contributions to the schools culture.

Post-school destinations Of the 126 students who sat the 2008 H.S.C, approximately 55% enrolled in universities in order to undertake degrees. A further 45% enrolled at TAFE ,with private providers either undertaking apprenticeships and/or traineeships. The remainder are either taking a gap year, in full time employment, or seeking employment.

Student enrolment profile

Attendance profile Years 7-10 Attendance

Years 7 to 10 Attendance Rates

88

89

90

91

92

93

2005 2006 2007 2008

School Region State

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Years 11 and 12 Attendance

Years 11 and 12 Attendance Rates

87

88

89

90

91

92

93

2005 2006 2007 2008

School Region State

Retention to Year 12

SC02 - HSC04

SC03-HSC05

SC04 - HSC06

SC05 - HSC07

SC06 HSC08

School 70.0 58.7 66.5 66.5 64.9

State 59.5 61.0 61.1 60.8 60.3

Staff attendance and Retention

In 2008 the average daily attendance rate for staff was 95.7% (The staff attendance is determined by subtracting the number of short-term, unplanned days absent from the total available teaching days.) The proportion of teaching staff retained from 2008 was 93%.

Teacher Qualifications

100% of teaching staff hold a degree or diploma and 30% of teaching staff hold post graduate qualifications.

Staffing

Position Number

Principal 1

Deputy principals 2

Head teachers 11

Full time classroom teachers 56.2

School counsellors (2 days/week) 2

School administration and support staff

11.8

Professional Learning

Approximately $42,000 was expended on professional learning in 2008. Key school priorities for teacher professional learning in 2008 were:

The application of gifted and talented strategies in the classroom.

Enhanced support for students with learning difficulties.

Continued application of Quality Teaching into programming, teaching and assessment.

Additional teacher support in delivering lessons using information and communication technologies.

Implementation of a study skills program for all students.

All teaching staff attended 3 school development days in 2008, at the beginning of Term 1, Term 2, and Term3. On each of these days teams developed strategies and resources, and shared expertise, on a range of issues targeted in the 2008 Management Plan.

These included further differentiating assignments using Blooms Taxonomy and developing classroom practices using the Quality Teaching Framework, developing study skills sessions, and working on strategies to enhance HSC outcomes. Guest speaker Miriam Wride worked with staff on using higher order thinking skills as part of the Quality Teaching Framework

The school development days were organised by the Professional Learning team. Teachers with expertise in specific areas modelled approaches which teams then referred to and utilised throughout each session.

In addition to school development days members of staff took part in professional learning activities on 251 days. The average expenditure per teacher on professional learning was approximately $770.

Student representatives message The Student Representative Council (SRC) is vital in encouraging a positive and supportive school environment, and exists through students initiative and self motivation. By having an SRC in the school, students are presented with leadership opportunities and use their charismatic leadership to motivate others. This extremely productive year is one to be proud of for anyone who has participated and helped.

Through meetings carried out once a week, ways of improving school procedures and policies for the benefit of students are discussed and decisions made to raise money in support of charities. The SRC develop a wide range of student activities which makes the school a more rewarding place in which students pursue an academic education and develop social and recreation skills.

The SRC provides a chance for students to voice their opinions and ideas. The representatives present constructive proposal at the meetings, giving students a chance to have a say in the school. The school is continually recognised for the fantastic contribution it

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makes to charities, money raised from events that we, as a school, all participate in and enjoy. In 2008 we raised large donations for Stewart House, the Breast Cancer Foundation, the Childrens Hospital and the Red Cross Foundation.

Parent and Caregiver Involvement

The P&C met monthly and provided valued comment and advice on issues and policies. The P&C operate the uniform shop. The P&C fundraising committee organised a very successful trivia night which was attended by large numbers. Funds raised support the purchase of essential equipment and resources.

The School Council undertook a tender process for the school canteen. Fresh Bites placed the successful tender.

The School Council again recognised the contribution of staff and students to the school by issuing certificates of appreciation and achievement, including;

Tim Bollard for outstanding contribution to staff and students of Model Farms

School Captains, Vice-Captains and SRC Presidents for outstanding student leadership.

Dale Whybrow (Year 12 Student Adviser) for outstanding leadership and support of Year 12, 2008.

Year 7 gifted and talented project presentation

Parent, student and teacher

satisfaction

In 2008 the school sought the opinions of parents, students and teachers about the school. In 2008 the focus was on student leadership. The School Council organised the survey and their findings can be found on page 4 On the whole students and parents were very satisfied with leadership opportunities. The results

formed the basis of the Leadership Development Program introduced in semester 2.

In 2008 the school undertook a Quality of School Life Survey. Compared to the 2004 results there was a;

3% increase in general satisfaction

5% reduction in negative affects (ie feeling lonely, restless, upset or worried)

3% increase in student sense of achievement

2% increase in teacher satisfaction

4% increase in the number of students who saw relevance in schooling

2% increase in sense of identity

Financial statement summary

Balance brought forward 569 311.68

Global funds 485 704.87

Tied funds 156 007.68

School & community sources 478 995.77

Interest 47 812.51

Trust receipts 102 183.68

Total income 1 840 016.19

Expenditure

Teaching & learning

Key learning areas 181 610.94

Excursions 153 037.31

Extracurricular dissections 114,482.77

Library 14 231.85

Training & development 5 888.03

Tied funds 148 423.29

Casual relief teachers 59 195.48

Administration & office 170 546.36

Utilities 85 153.86

Maintenance 37 308.26

Trust accounts 87 693.56

Capital programs 41 424.77

Total expenditure 1 098 996.48

Balance carried forward 741 019.71

About this report

This report was prepared by the Model Farms High School Council which comprises community, staff, parent and student representatives.